A summer cookout on the patio means great food and fun, but also means time in the kitchen making food and drinks while your guests are outside enjoying the weather.
But what if you could bring your kitchen and patio together – so you can make those drinks without missing a beat of the fun...or the sun?
Enter the pass-through window.
As the name suggests, a pass-through window is a kind of window that gives you easy access to the outdoors - so you can pass the kebobs, the cocktails, the coffee, or anything else to your guests outside.
In this article, we’ll talk about what pass-through windows are, the different styles available, and how to incorporate them into the design of your home.
Table of Contents
What Is a Pass-Through Window?
Where Can You Put a Pass-Through Window?
Pass-Through Window Considerations
What Is a Pass-Through Window?
A pass-through window is a wide window that slides horizontally or opens outward to allow for an easy connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s become increasingly popular over the last several years as the indoor-outdoor living trend has grown in popularity.
If you want to bring the fresh air inside and your home comforts outside, a pass-through window is a great solution.
Pass-Through Window Styles
There are three primary pass-through window styles: sliding windows, folding windows, and bi-fold windows.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are one of the most popular styles of pass-through window. They can either slide into a pocket in the wall or glide over a stationary panel (like a patio door). The former is a more expensive option and is much easier to install if you’re building new construction, while the latter is usually the least expensive option.
Folding Windows
Folding windows can open inwards or outwards and lay flat against the wall, leaving the entire window space open.
Bi-Fold Windows
Bi-fold windows work on the same principle as bi-fold patio doors; they consist of a series of folding panels that move horizontally along a track. This is a very modern option that also provides plenty of open space.
Where Can You Put a Pass-Through Window?
The most popular place to put a pass-through window is between a kitchen sink and a patio or porch. This expands your counter space, brings in fresh air, and makes it easy to pass food and drink outside. But there are other ways to use a pass-through window as well:
Indoor-outdoor Bar. Consider adding a pass-through window with outdoor counter space and barstools for a great indoor-outdoor bar experience.
Connecting to a pool. Make it easy to pass out drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. No dripping bathing suits in your kitchen anymore!
Indoor-outdoor kitchen. Outdoor cooking is even easier with extra counter space and a wide open space to pass the steaks and the condiments out to the grill.
Pass-Through Window Considerations
Before installing a pass-through window, there are a few things you should consider to make the most of your space and avoid potential problems.
Counter Space
Having plenty of counter space on both sides makes it easier for the window to perform its core function of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. But you’ll want to make sure that your counters are made of a UV-resistant material or that there’s an awning or roof over your outdoor space.
Preventing Water Intrusion
You can also make the windowsill flush with the counter, but again, you’ll want to make sure that the outdoor area is shielded from rain to prevent water intrusion.
Choosing the Right Style
Pocketing pass-through windows (windows that disappear into the wall when opened) allow you to make the most of your space but can be hard to install in a remodel since they require thicker walls. This style is easiest to pull off if you’re building a new wall.
If you want to maximize space but a pocketing window isn’t an option, a folding pass-through window is an excellent alternative, since the panels can fold back and lay flush against the outside wall.
A bi-fold-pass through window is a good option, especially for larger openings. The folding panels can stack neatly to one side and out of the way. This doesn’t provide as much open space as a pocketing or folding window, but it will give you more space than a sliding window.
If neither pocket windows nor folding windows work, a sliding pass-through window (where one panel slides over a stationary one, like a sliding glass door) is a good, less expensive option.
Considering a Remodel?
Pass-through windows are one of the best trends of the indoor-outdoor living trend of the 2020s. They not only bridge the gap between kitchen and patio; they redefine the way we entertain and enjoy our homes.
Now that you’ve learned about pass-through windows, check out our Ultimate Home Remodeling Guide. Remodeling your home is no small project, and there are countless ways it can go wrong, from bad contractors to poor planning. In this complete guide, we’ll arm you with the knowledge you need to get the look you love – and avoid a thousand-dollar mistake.